Elden follows the others inside, marveling at Ophelia, but trying to look unphased.
That was...amazing... Keep your cool, you don't want to look like an uninformed hick. Besides, things are just getting started.
This large room, once a captain’s cabin, has been converted into a throne room of sorts. The walls are thick with spider webs, in which scuttle dozens of spiders, some as large as a fist but most considerably smaller. These spiders seem content to stay in their webs and do not venture into the room itself, which is furnished with two sturdy oaken tables surrounded by chairs. Aft, a wooden stage supports a large leather chair covered with cobwebs and scampering spiders.
Sitting on the throne is the King of Spiders, Devargo Barvasi. A tall, muscular man with shaggy black hair and a fierce glare, his black leather armor accented with a steel spidershaped shoulder baldric and a thick chain crisscrossing his chest, linked together in the shape of a spider. His signature weapons—gauntlets fixed with blades over the knuckles—glisten with poison. Now and then, spiders clamber over his skin, but he takes no notice.
A narrow door stands to port, hanging ajar and revealing a flight of stairs leading below. An iron birdcage hangs from the ceiling like a chandelier, inside a creature lays curled up.
Devargo is evaluating six thugs for recruitment into his enforcers. These six are seated at the tables, enjoying a sumptuous meal and loud storytelling.
Ugh, it's not just a clever name. There's a lot of people here, not sure what I was expecting, but it wasn't this. Here goes nothing...
Ophelia strides in, as if she belongs there, she frowns and stares at Devargo before speaking, Ah, I was under the impression that we were to have a private meeting. She shrugs and continues, No matter.
The room falls silent and Devargo's attention shift towards Ophelia and company. From above you a serpentine neck twists out of the cage.
Well, what a pleasant surprise. Welcome to Eels End! Please come forward, and tell me why you are here. Devargo says in an overly pleasant tone, gesturing to the empty area before the throne.
Ophelia approaches cautiously, trying not to get too close to anyone else in the room. She smiles at Devargo as she approaches, Thank you for the welcome.
Let's hope this story checks out...
She leans in close, trying to keep her conversation away from the others in the room. I have been hired by this one..., she motions towards Nik then continues with sarcasm ...to find his poor lost brother.
I've found that another man has either captured him or knows his whereabouts. However, without the righr..leverage, he won't provide this information to me...to us. I know that he frequents Eel's End, and I've heard tales of the great King of Spiders, surely he'd know the right leverage to use against this man.
And now the lure.
She pauses for a moment, trying to judge his demeanor. Of course, I know your time and expertise is valuable, payment is certainly in order.
Rom ruffles his feathers as he settles down again.
Ar putea fratele nostru să intre cu această mulțime?
Elden stands amidst the group, with no expression and doing his best impression of "casual intimidation," slowly moving his hands easy within reach of his axe and hammer.
I hope this works, but I'd better be ready.
Devargo leans back in the throne. He has a sinister smile, made even more unnerving as spider crawls over his cheek. I know many things, and leverage as you call it is a valuable commodity, so payment is certainly in order. Who do you need to apply leverage to, and what is your offer?
He's making my skin crawl. I hope this won't take long.
Ophelia tries to remain collected and offers a smile back, Darvayne Amprei, and we have this to offer for your services... She looks to Trisane and motions him forward.
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Poor thing. I can't see how to free it without blowing the mission. Maybe there will be an opportunity to try.
Nik looks around trying to make note of everyone's current position. He reaches up to get Rom's attentions and whispers to him.
Nici o încurcătură. Nu inca.
Nik then envisions Rom working the cage free, hoping his friend will understand what he means.
A generous offer, and I may know something of a delicate matter that involves the Ambassador. This information has brought me a sizeable amount of income, but I am sure the ambassador will soon find a way to render it useless as blackmail material. I would need an additional 500 gold sails to "float' the information to you. He is obviously amused with his joke, and the assembled thugs laugh heartily.
Rom flaps up onto a nearby hook, close to the cage, but out of reach of the spiders that crawl across the ceiling above. Several large spiders stay close to the cage.
That greedy bastard. Trisane should have held some back, not his fault, though, he didn't know. I can't cover that amount, and I'm not sure what the others have, hopefully this will be good enough.
Ophelia laughs softly, It is a generous offer, especially for information that may soon become useless, as you say. I can provide an additional 200 gold sails, but no more than that.
She leans in to whisper to Devargo, if it is to become useless soon, this may be the last bit of income you make from it. I suggest you take my offer. She offers a smile and leans back.
After she offers the additional 200 gold sails, as Ophelia moves to step onto the dias, all laughter ends immediately, and Devargo's expression turns to stone. He holds up a hand indicating Ophelia should not advance and shakes his head no.
Ophelia stops when indicated and takes a step back. She simply smiles at Devargo, waiting for his answer.
Devargo sits for a moment, silent. The recruits shift uneasily. Finally Devargo breaks the silence.
Lacking the full price in currency, I will instead take... entertainment. He smiles a vicious smile. If one of you can beat my recruits at knivesies, I will take your initial offer, and provide what you request. But if you loose, you loose the pouch and the price stays at 1500 sails. This offer is not open to further negotiation, you may take it, or leave. This proposed wager creates quite the enthusiastic response from the assembled recruits.
Ophelia smiles, Agreed
Ugh. I hope one of them knows what to do.
She turns to her friends, Which one of you would like the honor?
Help! Anyone think they can do this?
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Trisane sighs audibly.
I suppose Knivesies is a better alternative to bloodshed... This scumbag better give us the information we need after this.
I'll play your game, Devargo.
Trisane approaches one of the large tables slowly. He draws out a fine looking horseheaded dagger from its sheath and plunges it into the center. He then takes his position at the end of table looking over to each of the six thugs confidently.
Alright. Who's it gonna be?
A pair of pouches and a long leather cord are tossed onto the table.
Just so the rules are clear, his gaze falls to the party as he speaks, Contestants check your weapons and armor. Right hands tied together. the rest of you place your wagers around the knife. And stand on the side of the table you expect to win. Claim your slip. Contest will start on a ten count. Game ends when one of you is dead, unconscious, knocked off the table, or a coin is knocked off the table. Otherwise, the one with the most coins wins. Questions?
A game involving two contestants who usually check their weapons and remove any armor. They stand on opposite ends of a long, sturdy table, their right hands are bound together, and each has an empty belt pouch tied to their sides. A single dagger is stuck in the table between them.
Spectators place bets on who will win, and the wagers are piled around the dagger. The bettors then stand at the end of the table near their chosen winner.
Play starts at the count of 10. The game ends as soon as any of the following happen:
One contestant is knocked out, dead, or knocked off the table.
Any coin is knocked off the table.
All of the coins have been snatched up by the players.
An unconscious, dead, or de-tabled contestant automatically loses. Otherwise, the contestant who pouches the most coins wins.
After the game "ends" all of the coins are piled back onto the table, with the winner keeping half and the rest split between the winning bettors. Beyond that, anything goes. The initial move is usually a lunge for the dagger, forcing the other player to grab for coins; most games then devolve into a bloody brawl.
I hope he's up for this, I really hate that it came down to this.
Ophelia casually strides behind Trisane's end and folds her arms. She appears quite bored with this spectacle already.
This should be interesting. He looks strong and spry. I guess we're about to find out. I'll jump in before I let him die.
Elden moves over to stand next to Ophelia, staying near the table. His face is expressionless but his hands continue to be close by his weapons. He nudges Ophelia's arm and tries to wordlessly show her that he's ready to go if there's a problem.
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No weapons and armor eh? Just like back in basic training... Let's see how tough these guys really are in a fair fight.
Trisane nods over to Devargo. He takes a minute to remove his breastplate and longsword emblazoned with Korvosan Guard insignias along with his other weapons. As he hands them over to the nearest thug, he spills out a warning.
Make sure you keep these safe for me until I'm finished with your brave friend here. Wouldn't want the Guard to come looking for you.
Trisane applies the strap and gets on the table indicating that he's ready to begin.
The thugs eyes grow wide, then narrow. Hey boss look at this, and he holds the sword aloft... this guy is a Korvosan Guardsman.
The air freezes, and hands are on hilts, but no one draws a weapon.
Devargo speaks, calm but with an edge. So Guardsman, are you here on official business, or is this personal?
No, the time for games is over, and Guardsmen, it is time for you to leave. Devargo has a scowl across his face. Return his property. he says to the recruit holding the sword, And before you do anything foolish Guardsman, let me point out that you are not here on official business; the Korvosan Guard would not "officially" be involved in an attempt to blackmail a foreign ambassador. That is the type of thing that starts wars you know. So, with all my friends here as witnesses, I ask you to leave. He bows deeply, and with a flourish towards the doors adds, You are now officially trespassing.
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Nik turns to DeVargo.
Please, you must be willing to help me. I need this information to find my brother!
Nik looks pleadingly at the King of Spiders.
The guard is here as a favor to me. He is not here officially, which is why we hid that from you. I plead with you sir, the guard has nothing to do with this. I simply need the information to find and free my brother.
Devargo is not happy, but Nik's genuine pain does please him. He mulls Nik's request for a moment.
The only thing I will enjoy more than turning you away, is turning you away and having you drag a dead Guardsman out by his boots. Ok boys - who wants to return the Guardsman's dagger to him? he says with a nod to the Wellington horsehead dagger still stuck in the table. The meaning is not lost on the recruits, all eager to prove themselves to Devargo, they discuss who will be the one to face Trisane.
Oh, Trisane, you were doing so well. Quick thinking Nik, you may have salvaged this disaster. If it does go south, at least Elden is ready to jump in.
Ophelia remains quiet, looking more annoyed than anything else.
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What a coward. I'll make this quick so I can wipe that smug grin off his face. Still, this could also go south real fast... better be ready for anything.
Trisane turns his back on Devargo slowly then nods to his companions to get ready. He looks over at the six thugs intently.
Don't worry fellas, I'll try and take it easy on you. There's plenty of work available at the Citadel in the Guard if you don't make the cut tonight.
Once stripped of weapons and armor, Trisane and his opponent step up upon the table. The recruit is short, tanned, stocky and well muscled. The thugs bind Trisane and the recruit together, a pile of gold sails is placed upon the table as bets are made. One of the recruits acts as the bet master - accepting all wagers.
The party's 1000 gold sails is placed upon the table, and the wiry recruit asks if there are any other bets the Guard would like to make.
Once all bets are noted, the recruits look to Devargo.
He has remained seated upon his throne, but it does provide him an excellent vantage point.
Well then, here we are.
10....
9....
8....
7....
6....
5....
4....
3....
2.... Devargo pauses here.
Tell me guardsman, why are you the one to go last?
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This guy doesn't look so tough. Time to end this game...
Trisane's eyes narrow as he surveys his opponent. He focuses only on his next move. Devargo's voice grows softer in Trisane's head as the countdown nears the end. He lowers his body to gain leverage against the thug and when he hears the word "one" ring from Devargo, Trisane roars.
RAARRGHH!!
The recruit is equally prepared for Davargo's delivery of the final count.
He tries for the dagger, but is out of position to pull it free.
Around the table cheers and calls become a cacophony.
Ophelia covers her mouth, pretending to yawn.
Come on Trisane, show this jerk what you can do!
The recruit falters and tumbles off the table onto the floor. Devargo frowns. Not really much of show. But, a deal is a deal. You wait here while I get what you seek. And have my sails ready, so you may be gone upon my return.
The recruits gather around the other table in silence, allowing you to collect your winnings, another 100 gold.
Upon his return, Devargo takes his payment and provides the party with two letters.
I learned of a scandalous affair Ambassador Amprei was having with the wife of an important noble back in Cheliax. Apparently, the ambassador and this woman have been corresponding since Amprei was first stationed here in Korvosa. I acquired several of the ambassador’s letters to his paramour and have been selling the letters back to the ambassador. The fact that the ambassador hasn’t come to you and is attempting to keep his reacquisition of the stolen letters as quiet as possible says plenty about how dangerous the contents would be to his career.
Should the Ambassador inquire, I will inform him the Guard now has his letters. And be sure to tell CC I will do my best to learn why.
Now go.
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Nik nods to Devargo.
Thank you sir. I hope this will help me find my brother.
Nik begins to turn to his companions, then turns back again.
Perhaps sir, you could set my nerves on this. Perhaps you can tell me if you have seen my brother with this ambassador. His name is Tobar, a young Varisian with lighter hair. He would bear a tattoo matching this one.
Nik shows Devargo the dog print tattoo on his hand and waits to see what he says.
Ophelia takes the letters and offers a smile to Devargo, a pleasure doing business with you.
Devargo looks further annoyed.
It is the policy of Eels End to never harbor known fugitives from the Guard. I can truly say that if he was ever here, he is long gone now.
There is a palpable sense of dread in the room as the silent recruits await the parties departure. It seems only the spiders in the webbing are unnerved as they continue to move about.
Right, time to leave, now.
Ophelia will usher the group out and away from Eels End. Once a few blocks out, she'll stop.
Well, that could have gone better, but at least we have what we came for. Too bad he didn't know anything about Tobar. This is sensitive information, though, so we need to bring this back to the Citadel now.
Elden follows the group out, quietly congratulating Trisane once they get outside and a bit away. Nice job, friend. Although I wish I'd gotten the opportunity to do something.
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Nik nods at Ophelia.
Agreed, we should certainly make quick work of returning with this information.
After a few steps he stops and looks back for a second.
Hey now, that was well done by all. Perhaps we can reward ourselves with a little night fishing? I know Rom would be keen to catch something nice to play with.
Nik picks up his step again and smiles at the group.
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Thanks Elden. I've had to deal with more than a few unruly thugs like those guys on my patrols in the past. Don't worry, no doubt your skills will come handy on our next assignment.
Please don't let it be another undercover mission... all this underhanded business is just no good for us. I'm sure Elden would agree with me that a straight up fight is a better use of our talents. I hope Cressida sees our true value to the Guard sooner rather than later.
Trisane lets out a sharp whistle. A few minutes later his companion touches down on the street. He mounts up and addresses Nik.
I'm sorry about your brother, Nik. Take heart, we'll find him soon. Let's return to the Citadel and report what we've learned.
RAAAAAWWWWKKK!
Ophelia nods at Trisane and starts walking back to the Citadel.
Nik, that sounds like a great idea. I need a little break. Will you two join us?
Your journey back to the Citadel Volshyenek is unusually peaceful. Even the fires from the rioting seems to have died down. The Field Marshal blushes as she reads them and quickly passes them to a clerk for safekeeping, stating that they should work perfectly should the need for some leverage against the ambassador ever come up.
Please though, you must keep everything from these letters secret, lest rumors spread and diminish their value. Even rumors and gossip would diminish the impact these letters might have. I know I can trust you.
I have no other tasks currently. get some rest, enjoy the quiet, I fear it won't last. Rumors are circulating that might fan the flames of unrest within the city. I suspect I will be in need of your talents soon enough.
Here is the agreed upon wage, 500 gold sails, and well worth it. She adds with a smile.
She looks at you all to see if you have any questions or anything to add, otherwise you are free to leave.